BCP Council (Poole): Matt is pleased to have secured retrospective planning consent for the change of use of a residential outbuilding (C3 use) to a chiropractic & wellness clinic business (Use Class E(e)). The proposal represents a positive and sustainable reuse of an established building, providing valuable health and wellbeing services to the local community while respecting the character and openness of the Green Belt.
Prior to 2019, the outbuilding served as a games room, store, and indoor swimming pool associated with the large main dwelling. The existing structure had not been extended or enlarged as part of this proposal; it remains entirely within its original footprint. The outbuilding now accommodates a chiropractic and wellness clinic comprising seven treatment rooms and a Yoga and Pilates studio.
A previous application to regularise this use was refused solely on highways grounds. To address this, the applicant sought the expertise of Paul Basham Associates, who prepared a comprehensive transport statement and speed survey. Their professional assessment was critical and demonstrated that the proposal would not result in any harm to the highway network, nor would it cause and detrimental impact on highway safety or parking.
The site lies within the Green Belt, where careful consideration must be given to the impact of development on openness. As the outbuilding remained proportionate to the scale of the original dwelling, it did not represent a disproportionate addition nor introduce any new built form. The change of use therefore was not considered to physically affect the openness of the Green Belt and was considered appropriate development under the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
While the change of use had introduced a modest increase in vehicle movements, this impact was well managed. The clinic operates strictly on an appointment-only basis, with clients attending on a one-to-one schedule and not all treatment rooms being used at the same time, ensuring a low and consistent level of activity. In addition, hours of operation and total capacity have been conditioned to safeguard residential amenity and maintain a respectful arrangement.
This proposal represents an appropriate and beneficial use of an existing building — one that enhances community wellbeing, supports local enterprise, and aligns fully with sustainable planning principles.
If you are working from home and due to the growth of your business the use has become more than “ancillary” such that you are required to apply retrospectively, then we would be happy to advise and devise a strategy for a way forward.